President Park lays out plans for state affairs in 2014
Updated: 2014-01-06 22:31:23 KST

Revitalizing the economy and laying the foundation for a peaceful reunification of the two Koreas will be the focus of President Park's activities in the year 2014.
During a new year's press conference on Monday, the Korean president presented a three-year plan for economic reform.

"This year, I will set up a 'three-year economic innovation plan' aimed at reforming the Korean economy, and I will push ahead with it, so that the people can actually feel the effects of the economic recovery, opening a new era of national happiness."

The president pledged to normalize abnormal practices in society and lay the foundation for a strong economy, starting with reforms in the public sector, and continue her push for a creative economy.
She also vowed to create an economy that balances domestic demand and exports, by supporting SMEs and fostering the five major service industries -- the sectors of health, education, tourism, finance and software.

With the two Koreas having been divided for nearly 70 years, North Korea will also remain a top priority for the Park administration.
President Park stressed that it is now time to prepare for a reunified Korea, breaking away from the threats of war and nuclear weapons.
She also proposed holding a round of reunions for families separated by the Korean War around the Lunar New Year holiday, which falls in the last week of January.

"With the Lunar New Year approaching, I hope that separated families, who have grown old waiting for the past 50 years, can meet one another, healing the wounds in their hearts. I hope that North Korea will take a meaningful first step this year through the familiy reunions, and set up a new framework for inter-Korean dialogue."

On the domestic front, President Park denied rumors that there will be a Cabinet reshuffle in the near future, and refused to give a clear answer on her stance towards the opposition party's demand for an independent counsel probe into the intelligence agency's alleged meddling in last year's presidential election.

"The president also addressed the criticism that she hasn't been a good communicator during her first year in office, but many analysts were not satisfied with her response and say it shows that her concept of 'good communication' is very different from that of the general public and opposition groups.
Eoh Jin-joo, Arirang News."